fabric

noun

fab·​ric ˈfa-brik How to pronounce fabric (audio)
1
b
: underlying structure : framework
the fabric of society
2
: an act of constructing : erection
specifically : the construction and maintenance of a church building
3
a
: structural plan or style of construction
b
: texture, quality
used chiefly of textiles
c
: the arrangement of physical components (as of soil) in relation to each other
4
b
: a material that resembles cloth
5
: the appearance or pattern produced by the shapes and arrangement of the crystal grains in a rock

Examples of fabric in a Sentence

The curtains are made of expensive fabric. scarves made of woven fabrics the fabric of the community
Recent Examples on the Web Its steel and wicker construction can withstand all weather conditions, and the plush seat cushions are made with a fade-resistant fabric. Bridget Degnan, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2024 My goal was to bring modernity, contemporaneity, desire, femininity and lightness to fabrics and graphics. Billboard Italy, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024 Available in one size, this wireless bra is made of soft fabric that stretches for a just-right fit that doesn’t dig into you. Isabel Garcia, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 Within Haredi communities, many fear that the fabric of their insular life would begin to fray if men were forced to skip the full-time study of Scripture. Natan Odenheimer, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2024 Massive objects bend the fabric of space-time, changing the direction of passing light and making the source of the light appear distorted — a phenomenon called gravitational lensing. Liz Kruesi, Quanta Magazine, 4 Mar. 2024 Myer assembled materials from a local craft store, including collapsible tunnel tubes and long sheets of fabric, and attached them to his Onewheel electric skateboard to create his portable Shai-Hulud. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 4 Mar. 2024 This floral pajama set includes a short-sleeve top and pants for just $23 and is made with a super soft fabric that will keep you comfortable while lounging and sleeping. Bridget Degnan, Peoplemag, 24 Feb. 2024 Rapid technological advancements, evolving industries, and shifting market demands have reshaped the fabric of employment, ushering in an era where adaptability and versatility reign supreme. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fabric.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French fabrique "act of construction, something created or constructed, the created world, structure, construction and maintenance of a church," borrowed from Medieval Latin fabrica, going back to Latin, "process of making something, craft, art, workshop," noun derivative from *fabricus "of a craftsman," from fabr-, faber "craftsman, smith" (perhaps going back to dialectal Indo-European *dhabh-r- —perhaps of non-Indo-European origin— whence also Armenian darbin "smith," from *dhabh-r-sneh2) + -icus -ic entry 1

Note: The Latin derivative fabrica may have been shortened from fabrica ars, perhaps literally "smith's craft, smith's place of work." The base *dhabh-r- has been compared with Gothic gadaban "to happen, be suitable" and a host of related words (see daft), though the semantic link is tenuous.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fabric was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near fabric

Cite this Entry

“Fabric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fabric. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fabric

noun
fab·​ric ˈfab-rik How to pronounce fabric (audio)
1
: the basic structure
the fabric of society
2

More from Merriam-Webster on fabric

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